Starlink’s entry to Bhutan brings promise and concerns

WITH approval from the Bhutan Information, Communi­cation and Media Authority (BICMA), Starlink is set to enter the Bhutanese market, introducing high-speed satellite-based internet services. This marks a major shift in the country’s telecommunications landscape. BICMA officials stated that the agency carefully evaluated several factors before granting Starlink its license. Key requirements included registering Starlink as […]

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Bhutan’s Prime Minister assures that the government will reduce data costs by 50 percent

Reiterating the election campaign pledge, the Prime Minister said that the government will slash mobile charges by 50 percent at the meet-the-press session yesterday. Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay assured that the price reduction will be carefully implemented to avoid affecting telecom operators or compromising service quality. A technical committee, chaired by the Ministry of Finance, […]

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FMCL buys Nu 33.55 million worth of crops to support farmers

In a move to support local farmers and stabilise agricultural supply chains, the Farm Machinery Corporation of Bhutan Limited (FMCL) has purchased crops worth Nu 33.55 million through its aggregation programme, price guarantee scheme. Launched on November 7, 2024, the initiative, funded by the economic stimulus programme (ESP), offers market assurance to farmers. As of […]

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Climate Crowdfunding Project in Protected Areas in Bhutan

Communities in two protected areas will soon benefit from targeted climate adaptation projects funded by the Climate Crowd Initiative, a global programme under the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). An incense processing unit will be established for communities living within Jigme Dorji National Park (JDNP), which includes Soe Gewog and Yaksa village. Draagchukha in Punakha will […]

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Punakha introduces night and evening rafting adventure

Punakha— As the calm waters of the Punatshangchhu shimmer under the moonlight, tourists enjoy a unique experience—night and evening river rafting. This adventure combines excitement and serenity, showcasing Punakha’s beauty under a starlit sky. My Bhutan, currently the only authorised travel agent in the country, has been granted exclusive rights to conduct night rafting. The […]

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Bhutan: South Asia’s Safest Haven for Travellers

Despite dropping from its 17th position in 2023, Bhutan remains the sole South Asian country ranked among the top 21 most peaceful nations worldwide. The GPI, in its 18th iteration, assesses peace using 23 indicators across three critical domains: societal safety and security, ongoing domestic and international conflict, and militarisation. Bhutan’s continued excellence in these […]

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New measures to streamline exports from Samdrupjongkhar

Samdrupjongkhar—Authorities in Samdrupjongkhar are cracking down on illegal mandarin exports to prevent market disruptions and loss of government revenue. Middlemen have been taking advantage of loopholes in export rules, causing farmers to earn less for their oranges during the peak season. The issue is: the intermediaries pretend to be farmers and export products without following […]

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Punakha crematorium faces urgent waste and sanitation concerns

Punakha—Located north of the Punakha Dzong, the Punakha Duethre (crematorium), is the only cremation in town. However, the site is in urgent need of renovation, particularly the toilets, which are in a deplorable state. The broken doors, the foul odour is overwhelming, often making visitors feel sick, forcing many to relieve themselves outside due to […]

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